Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Hub

How are the most effective Accelerated Education Programmes able to deliver foundational literacy to some of the world’s most vulnerable children in less than one-year when most schools can’t in more than three? One of the many reasons is that, when teaching alphabetic languages, the majority of AEPs take a phonics-based approach. 2/10 📚 Insights from evidence on Accelerated Education Programmes (#AEPs) 🔠 Decades of evidence shows that a systematic, phonics-based approach enables children to decode words by teaching them the relationship between sounds and letters. And yet, surprisingly, the ‘science of reading’ has had little impact on educational policy and practice, particularly in low and middle-income countries. AEPs appear to be an exception, where some of the world’s most marginalised children are reaching foundational milestones faster than peers in the formal education system. 📄 A new paper from Michael Crawford, Neha Raheel, Maria Korochkina, and Kathy Rastle reveals significant shortcomings in mastering even the most basic reading subskills, such as recognising letter names and sounds, across 48 low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Among the 500,000 pupils in their study, 96% scored so low on knowing the sounds of letters that they fell below an established severe risk benchmark, indicating the need for intensive intervention (Crawford et al. 2024). In a blog for the The World Bank, they write: “Pupils are not able to engage with the meaning of text if they don’t know what letters are or what they represent. Our work shows that pupils in LMICs are moving forward at a glacially slow pace, one that makes it almost impossible for them to ever become proficient readers.” 🚀Some have criticised phonics-based approaches as rigid and unengaging. However, if we ignore the ‘science of reading’, we risk prolonging a deep learning crisis. In addition, the teaching methods of many AEPs ensure that a structured approach can still be fun, and that children are often well-motivated by their quick progress. 🔗 As we continue this series on AEPs, stay tuned for more insights on what makes AEPs effective, from teacher recruitment to gender transformative approaches, and beyond!  #AEPs #FoundationalLearning #OutOfSchoolChildren #EducationPolicy #EducationResearch Benjamin Piper, Luminos Fund, Jaime Saavedra, Luis Benveniste, Samuel Kembou, PhD, Jane Mann, Caitlin Baron, Simon Sommer, Donika Dimovska, What Works Hub for Global Education, Anna Mølgaard Thaysen, Echidna Giving, Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE), Martha Hewison, Porticus, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Hub, Euan Wilmshurst

As I round out my time at #FLEX2024 in Kigali, I want to thank the Ministers of Education, organizers, partners, and attendees for an amazing week full of incredible insights on #FoundationalLearning. Read more about my time in #Rwanda below.

Join me at #FLEX2024 in Kigali next week where 27 Ministers, from 34 countries, policymakers, #education experts, and partners will gather to discuss and share evidence in informed practice to improve learning outcomes and create pathways for progress for the African child. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dAGXsycN  #YearofEducation #FoundationalLearning #Agenda2063 

The founder and CEO of Human Capital Africa, Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, will speak at the African Union's session, "Empowering Africa's Future: Advancing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy to End Learning Poverty.” Following the African Union's declaration of 2024 as the Year of Education and the launch of the End Learning Poverty Campaign, the need to check and balance our progress, learn from best practices, and scale interventions that work has never been more critical. Dr. Oby will set the stage for the conversations during this session on November 11th from 3:10 PM to 5:00 PM at Main Hall 3 of the Kigali Conference Centre.

The learning crisis in Africa isn't just an education issue—it's a linchpin for our continent's economic future and global stability. Consider this: Addressing the learning crisis could add up to $6.5 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030. Conversely, the World Bank estimates that this crisis could result in lifetime earnings losses of $17 trillion for this generation of students in low and middle-income countries globally. At FLEX 2024 in Kigali, we're bringing together ministers, educators, and innovators to turn this potential into reality. We'll explore: Cost-effective, scalable solutions to enhance learning outcomes Innovative financing mechanisms to bridge the $39 billion annual funding gap for achieving SDG 4 Strategies to maximize the impact of every education dollar spent Our goal? To transform Africa's demographic dividend into a powerful engine for global growth. By investing in education today, we're securing a prosperous future for Africa and the world. Join us in Kigali to be part of this economic transformation through education! To register for FLEx: https://lnkd.in/dribhUHN Use Code 102 to register! #FLEX2024 #EducationEconomics #SDG4 #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #FoundationalLearning

📚 The Africa Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX) in Kigali, Rwanda, November 11-13, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in our continent's educational journey. The stark reality: 9 out of 10 African children can't read for meaning by age ten - nearly double the global average of 6 out of 10. But this statistic isn't our destiny; it's our call to action. 🌍 African leaders are rising to the challenge. A growing coalition, including Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, along with former leaders from Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, and Liberia, are championing foundational learning. At FLEX, we'll leverage this momentum to: ✅ Push for a Decade of Foundational Learning 📊 Develop a continental accountability system 🧠 Share knowledge on cost-effective, evidence-based solutions. 🇿🇦 With South Africa's upcoming G20 Presidency in 2025, we're poised to lead the global response to this crisis. Join us in Kigali as we craft strategies to ensure every African child can read, write, and thrive by age 10! 🔗 To register for FLEx: https://lnkd.in/dribhUHN 🔑 Use Code 102 to register! #FLEX2024 #EndLearningPoverty #AfricanEducation #G20Africa #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #FoundationalLearning

Spotlighting FLN Interventions in Africa 🌍📚 A digital revolution in primary education is quietly unfolding. 🎓💻 The Early Digital Learning Programme (EDLP), a collaborative initiative between the Mauritius Institute of Education, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, and EDCIL India, is reshaping the educational landscape for young learners. 👧👦 At its core, the EDLP aims to seamlessly integrate digital technology into primary education, nurturing an early culture of IT use that aligns with pupils' developmental stages. 🧒🏫 This innovative approach is transforming classrooms across Mauritius, with adapted tablets serving as gateways to a world of interactive learning. 📱✨ Equipped with a broad array of digital content - from engaging videos and e-books to interactive animations and creativity tools - they cater to diverse learning styles and keep young minds captivated. 🎥📖🎨 The program's holistic approach extends beyond tablets, ensuring that all primary and secondary schools are equipped with computer labs, fostering a tech-savvy environment from an early age. 💻🏫 The scale of implementation is impressive, especially for a small island state. 🏝️ In 2018, the Ministry distributed a remarkable 26,800 tablets and headsets across primary schools, complemented by 250 wireless projectors and screens, and 1,340 rack chargers. 📊 This comprehensive rollout underscores Mauritius's commitment to digital education. 🎓 The fruits of this labor are already evident. 🍎 As of 2020, the Ministry proudly reported the successful implementation of the EDLP in Grades 1 to 3, marking a significant milestone in the country's educational journey. ✅ As we look to the future of foundational learning, the success of Mauritius's EDLP serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of technology when thoughtfully integrated into learning environments. 🌟 Have you witnessed any interventions taking place on the continent? Share with us in the comments below. 💬 #EducationInnovation #DigitalLearning #MauritiusEducation #EdTech #PrimaryEducation #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #FoundationalLearning

As UNGA79 concludes, we reflect on a pivotal moment in addressing Africa's learning crisis. Participants from across the continent came together, recognising the unique opportunity presented by South Africa's upcoming G20 Presidency in 2025. They acknowledged the critical role of His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, as the Champion for Foundational Learning in Africa, whose voice will be instrumental in advocating for this crucial cause. The scale of potential impact was laid bare: up to $6.5 trillion in additional productive value by 2030 if we address the learning crisis and realise Africa's demographic dividend. Participants highlighted Africa's dual role as both the epicentre of the learning crisis and the future growth engine of the global workforce. This recognition underscores the continent's responsibility and potential in leading the development of solutions that will boost global productivity. Download, read, and share the communique  #UNGA2024 #GlobalChallenges #UNGeneralAssembly #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #ReadWriteCount #FoundationalLearning #DataForFoundationalLearning #SDGs #EvidenceBasedEducation

📢 Join us at the UN General Assembly in New York! The African Union, Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), VVOB, UNICEF, Hempel Foundation, Teaching at the Right Level Africa, and Human Capital Africa are coming together for a critical side event on foundational learning titled "Scaling Success: Advancing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy through Partnerships and Innovation in Africa." This session will explore groundbreaking efforts to improve foundational learning across Africa, showcasing how partnerships and innovative approaches are transforming education for millions of children on the continent. 🗓️ Date: September 23, 2024 📍 Location: Hyatt Thompson Central Park, New York 🎯 Theme: Advancing literacy and numeracy to build a brighter future for Africa’s next generation. This is an opportunity for thought leaders to refine efforts to scale foundational education in Africa, reverse learning poverty, and drive educational transformation.

📢 Join us at the UN General Assembly in New York! The African Union, Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), VVOB, UNICEF, Hempel Foundation, Teaching at the Right Level Africa, and Human Capital Africa are coming together for a critical side event on foundational learning titled "Scaling Success: Advancing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy through Partnerships and Innovation in Africa." This session will explore groundbreaking efforts to improve foundational learning across Africa, showcasing how partnerships and innovative approaches are transforming education for millions of children on the continent. 🗓️ Date: September 23, 2024 📍 Location: Hyatt Thompson Central Park, New York 🎯 Theme: Advancing literacy and numeracy to build a brighter future for Africa’s next generation. This is an opportunity for thought leaders to refine efforts to scale foundational education in Africa, reverse learning poverty, and drive educational transformation.